Opening in conjunction with our Lu Ann Barrow American Primitive painting exhibit, this show brings 6 Texas quilts constructed with various techniques to the intimate setting of our historically installed bedrooms

Our understanding of the origins of Austin and Texas can only be incomplete without the history of the Comanches’ influence on the other major players (namely, New Spain/Mexico, New France, and the Texian Republic) in Texas in the first half of the 19th century. Pulitzer-nominated author S. C. Gwynne explains.

How did Austin grow from four families and a stockade to, well, anything? Who is that woman firing the canon in front of the One American Center downtown? Mike Miller of the Austin History Center explains this and more.

19th century costume, homemade ice cream on the porch, old time music, Impressionist painting (including DIY Impressionist painting!) and your ticket to explore Austin's first 100 years on

Austin Museum Day 2018

Sunday, September 23rd, 12PM to 4PM – FREE

Look. Listen. Play. Taste. Not necessarily in that order, either.

For this year’s Austin Museum Day, we’re offering activities for all five senses. We invite you to:

Visit our exhibit of paintings by Anna Stanley, a 19th century American Impressionist painter. While you’re at it, try your hand at painting a landscape scene of your own outside in watercolor–don’t worry, real, live professional artists will be on hand to lend you their wisdom. You could also visit with one of our ladies and gentlemen in 19th century costume, too.

On our porch, you’ll find live music performed by local old-time band DuckCreek on one side and hand-cranked, hand-squeezed, all scratch-made lemonade and ice cream on the other. We suggest sipping in the shade for big folks and playing on the grounds for little folks.

Mathhappens will be demonstrating their ingenious Pythagorean tables on the grounds and we hear that there will be cupcakes (and chess pieces, too).

Last but by no means least, let us recommend our World War I on the Homefront exhibit and a visit to the tools and household implements in the Dependency (which is likely the 9th oldest built structure standing in Austin, by the way).

Isn’t it hard to park by campus?

While we are in the West Campus neighborhood, parking is easier than you think. The museum lot is accessible from 23rd street just west of San Gabriel (behind the historic house). Overflow parking is often available just one block away at the University Towers garage at 23rd & Pearl.

A Note On Accessibility

First floor historic rooms, exhibits, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Architectural and preservation concerns prevent us from being able to provide elevator service to second floor rooms, however, interpretive materials are available upon request for our second floor exhibits and displays.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, do not hesitate to contact us.